Tourist influx raises fears for Mexico's wine heartland

View of the Anatolia's winery vineyard in Guadalupe Valley, Baja California state, Mexico. Academics and local winegrowers are working together to reduce the impact of tourism and find an efficient management of resources due to the water scarcity affecting both inhabitants and winemakers. Photos: AFP

When Pau Pijoan began winemaking in Mexico's Guadalupe Valley it was home to little more than a dozen producers. Two decades later, he fears it is becoming a victim of its own success.The growing popularity of Mexico's wine heartland in Baja California has brought an influx of tourists – and with them a proliferation of hotels, restaurants and other development.

"When I bought land, there were 15 to 18 wine producers. Today, there are more than 200," said Pijoan, a veterinarian by trade.